Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Introduction
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a refreshing and tasty dish that combines flavorful chicken with crunchy veggies and sweet cranberries. It’s quick to make and perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a healthy bowl that brings together sweet and savory flavors!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for busy days when you want something delicious and healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen. The mix of chicken, cranberries, and greens makes it nutritious, and it’s super easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken!
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing (or dressing of choice)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, mixed greens, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
- Toss the salad gently to mix all the ingredients together.
- Drizzle sesame dressing over the salad and toss again to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Top with sliced almonds for added crunch.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a light meal on its own or as a side dish to your favorite main course.
How to Store Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat it within 2 days for the freshest taste. If you have salad toppings like almonds, keep them separate until ready to serve for added crunch.
Tips to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Use leftover chicken to make this even faster.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for more color and crunch.
- Change up the dressing to your favorite if you don’t have sesame dressing on hand.
Variation (If Any)
You can use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for chickpeas and add some tofu for protein.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries will be too tart, so it’s best to stick with dried for sweetness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free sesame dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and store them separately, but dress it just before serving to keep the greens fresh.